Record turnout for Montreal jazz fest

MONTREAL: The Montreal International Jazz Festival, billed as the largest event of its kind in the world, was attended this year by a record of nearly two million people, organizers said. The 32nd edition, which featured 1,001 outdoor and indoor concerts, wrapped up on Monday night in Montreal, Quebec with a closing show by American rock band The B-52s. Organizers told a press conference it was the highest attendance rate in festival history with an occupancy rate for the indoor shows of more than 85 percent. “It was above all an unprecedented musical success. There were so many great shows,” said festival vice-president of programming Laurent Saulnier, confirming that the $30 million, 10-day event had turned a profit. The festival was marked with performances of different artists.